Bangladesh's cricket team escaped unscathed after a deadly shooting at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, an official told AFP on Friday.

Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said most of the team were in the bus and were about to go inside when the incident happened.

"They are safe. But they are mentally shocked. We have asked the team to stay confined in the hotel," he told AFP.

Opening batsman Tamim Iqbal wrote on Twitter: "Entire team got saved from active shooters!!! Frightening experience and please keep us in your prayers."

Local media said multiple people were killed in the incident.

"Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque," tweeted another player, Mushfiqur Rahim. "We r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us."